Our list for 2013 is predictably diverse, ranging from progressive newgrass to tradition-minded country to old-time acoustic to California canyon rock to psych folk to singer-songwriter and all points between.

Smith has a quirky voice with a warble that resembles the freak-folk style of Joanna Newsom and Alela Diane. But while there is something Western about those two singers, Smith’s vocals have a Midwestern, plaintive air.